Pastor arraigned over rape of housewife in Benue church

A suspended pastor of a Pentecostal church in Makurdi, Kelvin Imo, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court for the alleged rape of a housewife and a 17-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Inspector Friday Kanshio, told the court that on September 2, 2025, a housewife reported to the police that she had gone to see […]

A suspended pastor of a Pentecostal church in Makurdi, Kelvin Imo, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court for the alleged rape of a housewife and a 17-year-old girl.

The prosecutor, Inspector Friday Kanshio, told the court that on September 2, 2025, a housewife reported to the police that she had gone to see Pastor Imo for prayers and counseling. 

According to the prosecutor, the complainant said after the prayer for her, the accused held a handkerchief and wipe her face, noting that in the process she lost strength and the pastor physically over powered her and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her against her consent inside the church. 

However, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction while the prosecutor said investigation was ongoing and ask for another date.

The Chief Magistrate, Kelvin Mbanongyun, granted N1million bail to the accused and one surety, who must be a civil servant on Grade Level 15 and above.

The case was adjourned to November 8 and 10 for further mention. In the second case against the same pastor, the 17-year-old girl of the same Pentecostal church branch in Adoga, Tarka Local Government area of the state reported to the police that sometime in October, the accused (pastor) invited her and other members to come to the church at Nyambee branch where he was the resident pastor. 

However, on reaching the church, the pastor invited her to his office and forcefully had intercourse with her without her consent.

The accused was remanded in Federal Correctional Centre Makurdi.